IRS to offer help with BP issues

The Internal Revenue Service Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Gulfport will be open Saturday to provide help to taxpayers impacted by the BP oil spill.

The office is located at 11309 Old Highway 49 in Gulfport and will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Individuals who have questions about the tax treatment of BP payments or who are experiencing filing or payment hardships because of the oil spill will be able to work directly with IRS personnel at any of these locations on Saturday.

Last week, the IRS announced the opening of a dedicated phone line for victims of the Gulf oil spill –– 866-562-5227. This special toll-free line will also be open to callers on July 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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In certain cases, IRS staff can assist oil spill victims by suspending collection and examination actions. Taxpayers who need this assistance must request it. Others may decide to continue making payments because interest will continue to accrue on outstanding balances, even if some penalties are abated.